El Capitan is a towering sheet of rock in Yosemite National Park. When we took our children there recently, they were perplexed how it’s possible for humans to climb up a vertical cliff of granite.
I explained that there are very few humans who can – or are willing – to climb up without ropes. Most climbers use ropes to help them reach the top and prevent falls.
We ushered in 5787 and we stand days away from Yom Kippur. The Ten Days at the beginning of the Jewish year are called the Ten Days of Teshuva (Return). At the apex of these ten days is Shabbat Shuva (or Teshuva).
The Torah tells us that Hashem is closer and more available during these ten days, as the prophet Isaiah states, “Seek Hashem when he can be found, call upon Him when He is near.”
Now, G-d is everywhere. Always.
So, what does it mean that Hashem is closer now?
This week’s parsha Haazinu states, “Because G-d’s portion is His people. Jacob, the rope of His inheritance.”
Why are Jews called G-d’s rope?
Chassidus explains that the essential connection of a Jew to Hashem is a bond similar to a rope. A rope is designed to connect two ends.
When two people are holding opposite ends of the rope and one pulls the rope, the other is dragged toward them. This is, of course, a double-edged sword. A person can be dragged in either direction.
If we are connected to G-d with a rope, we can drag G-d, as it were. When we fail, we pull Hashem downward. If we perform a Mitzvah, G-d lifts us up.
But, once a year – during these ten days – Hashem initiates and pulls on the rope to bring us closer. In His abounding love, He raises us to the greatest heights and embraces us. Even if we have failed and sullied ourselves, creating great distance from our Source – Hashem elevates us.
Imagine a great mighty force at the top of El Capitan pulling the rope – and you – up to the top! During these Ten Days G-d is giving us a turbo boost! Even if we wandered off very far, Hashem ropes us in!
G-d’s tug is truly the greatest hug. And, it help us awaken to our true inner selves.
No wonder this Shabbat is called the Shabbat of Return! We are already well on the way to returning to our Source and inner self.
May it also be the time when G-d returns us to our land, people, and Torah with Moshiach.